355 QUESTION.

[justinkennedy5]

Is there any reason why some 355's have a red band across the rear of the car over the lights and some have a black rear pannel. Is it anything to do with the year the car was made or customer choice?
Thanks.

[330Clubsport]

The black one is a "Challenge Grille" which I think is cosmetic only....?

[justinkennedy5]

Thanks. Also, why do some have Scuderia Wingshields and some don't. I would want mine to have them on. They add so much character to the car. Can you add them now if you buy one without them on?

[tonyhopkins]

The wing badges were a very expensive factory option , but very desirable. They are recessed into the wing itself and made of enamel.There are after market versions around for £250, secured by double sided tape, but IMO they are nowhere near as good and stand proud of the wing

>> Edited by tonyhopkins on Friday 10th December 20:14

[330Clubsport]

I think (again!) they are aluminium backed deals - they are called Scuderia Shields. You can get them off ebay (!)

[murph7355]

As noted, the black grille is the challenge grille. It was designed (I believe) to help keep the engine bay cool on the race versions. This is a benefit on road cars but not wholly necessary - it's usually done for cosmetics and easily swappable.

The wing shields were a factory fit option and are metal cloisonne (as Tony notes, it's enamel). They are beautifully made and look the nuts. Soooooo much better than the vinyl shields which are usually the wrong size, have subdued colours and look like what they are (plastic stickers).

There are people who can sort out your wings and fit the factory originals on them properly (i.e. bolted on and sunk in), but it won't be cheap (dismantle the wing, sort the dent, drill the hole, paint it - you get the picture).

You can buy a cloisonne shield that is half the thickness of the factory original, however, and they sit about as proud of the wing as the sunken originals. Mail me if you want more details on this.